Converted Warehouse ZZ21

Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer

Converted Warehouse ZZ21 

FIRM Architects

ARCHITECTS
Firm Architects

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Niek Joanknecht

ARCHITECT AND PROJECT MANAGER
Niek Joanknecht

PROJECT MANAGER
Niek Joanknecht

PHOTOGRAPHS
Studio De Nooyer

AREA
210 M²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Vlaardingen, The Netherlands

CATEGORY
Adaptive Reuse

For a private investor, Firm converted a 215 square meter part of this 120-year-old Warehouse on one of the busiest harbors in the Port of Rotterdam.

Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer
Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer

The poorly lit space combined with a north-facing facade with just a few windows meant the owner needed to be visionary in order to perceive a bright and well usable office space.

It is this capacity combined with the architectural aspirations and the open mind of the investor that ultimately have led to a strong collaboration with the architects and thoughtful design.

Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer
Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer

The architects started their architectural task by researching the maximum number and size of possible new openings in the façade. All in close contact with the monuments' committee of the municipality.

After securing the right to open-up the old window openings in the facade and add new windows and doors, the possibility to create a well-lit space was conceived. To further enhance this, Firm architects decided to disconnect the new interior from the old walls.

This appearance of the design is somewhat subtracted from the original shell, the old brick walls has a dual purpose; it creates architectural contrast and it ensures the minimal north-facing daylight to flow in across both levels as the architects bridged the half meter between the interior and the outer wall with a glass floor over the full width of the facade.

Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer
Converted Warehouse ZZ21
Courtesy of FIRM architects
Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer

Furthermore, they added mirrors on the walls on both levels to enhance this effect.

In the interior, the design principle of subtracting the new from the old creates an enriched dialogue between the original building and its novice function.

This is strengthened by technical material usage in the new interior such as aluminum wall paneling and a stainless steel kitchen. The wood paneling forms a volume embracing the large central vide and ensuring a perfect acoustic for an office.

Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer
Converted Warehouse ZZ21
© Studio de Nooyer


Converted Warehouse ZZ21
Floor plans + elevations
Converted Warehouse ZZ21
Floor plans + elevations


Converted Warehouse ZZ21
Sections


Converted Warehouse ZZ21
Details
Converted Warehouse ZZ21
Isometric drawing